About Project

The project "Innovative methods of stem cells application in medicine" is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund Innovative Economy Operational Programme (2007-2013), Priority Axis 1 “Research and development of modern technologies” Measure 1.1 “Support for scientific research for establishment of a knowledge-based economy” 1.1.2 “Strategic programs of scientific research and development work”. An application for funding for the project received 96.20 points and was in first place in the ranking list of projects recommended for funding, from more than 100 submitted projects.

The allocated grant is 45,351,032.00 PLN.

The project "Innovative methods of stem cells application in medicine" is run by five institutions who 21 April 2009 formed a consortium composed of beneficiary:

The aim of the program is to offer a new and innovative solutions to use stem cells in medicine, which is based on the past experiences of the participating teams.

A few years ago, the research teams included in the consortium discovered small, primitive stem cells similar to this found during development of the embryo (called very small embryonic-like stem cells - VSELs), which provide real hope for their use in regenerative medicine, as an alternative source of pluripotent stem cells to stem cells derived from embryos. Preliminary results of experimental and clinical studies show the importance of these cells in myocardial infarction, stroke, and the renewal of the hematopoietic system. Researchers involved in the project believe, that these cells are also stem cells for a number of cancers and thus should be the immediate goal of modern anti-cancer strategy.

The research teams will be study various aspects related to the biology of these cells, methods for their isolation, expansion, modification, differentiation, increase of their regenerative potential. Based on this, we try to propose innovative treatments based on the usage of VSELs in medicine.

In order to achieve those goals nine research tasks are going to be carried out in co-operating centers in Szczecin, Kraków, Katowice and Warszawa. The direct goal of the project is to develop innovative methods for the use of stem cells in medicine and thus achieve significant progress in the practical application of this promising therapeutic strategy, which is the cell therapy. This effect will be achieved by:

1) the development of innovative methods of isolation, characterization, propagation and increase the regenerative potential of VSEL stem cells and other stem cells with bone marrow origin;2) the use of modern equipment for world-class research;3) the development of national and international co-operation and links of research units with industry;4) training of highly qualified researchers.

In the course of the project research teams:1) conduct a multi-level molecular analysis of the cells including looking VSELs new surface markers for the isolation purposes,2) develop innovative methods of in vitro culturing to improve our knowledge about involvement of VSELs in tissue regeneration, both in the states of physiology and pathology,3) propose an innovative approach to the use of VSELs in the treatment of myocardial infarction, limb ischemia, stroke, spinal cord injury, plastic anemia, ulcerative intestinal inflammation, wounds and skin burns,4) Examine the cells involvement, both in the formation and progression of certain cancers.